charlton heston: 1923* - 2008
I just saw The Ten Commandments this Easter with Dad & Stepmommy. I saw Ben Hur last month. I can't really think of old Hollywood epics without thinking of big, strong, brave Charlton Heston.
In my lifetime he was much older, but he still seemed so strong. He was gentle, with such a sweet smile, but that voice gave him some serious authority. Even with the whole gun control issue, it was so disarming; anything he said in that gravelly, slow voice just had to be true. I didn't agree with everything he said, of course... but it was like when your Grandpa tells you something: even if it's total crap, you nod your head and say, "Of course."
It was really hard for me when he announced his diagnosis of Alzheimer's. It's such a devastating disease anyway, but to think of hard, tough Charlton Heston being reduced in that way was just heartbreaking. I'm actually glad he didn't make too many public appearances after that... that's not how I want to remember him.
When I think of Charlton Heston, I prefer to think of his cameo as The Good Actor in Wayne's World 2, giving the best driving directions EVER:
*Some sources say 1924.
In my lifetime he was much older, but he still seemed so strong. He was gentle, with such a sweet smile, but that voice gave him some serious authority. Even with the whole gun control issue, it was so disarming; anything he said in that gravelly, slow voice just had to be true. I didn't agree with everything he said, of course... but it was like when your Grandpa tells you something: even if it's total crap, you nod your head and say, "Of course."
It was really hard for me when he announced his diagnosis of Alzheimer's. It's such a devastating disease anyway, but to think of hard, tough Charlton Heston being reduced in that way was just heartbreaking. I'm actually glad he didn't make too many public appearances after that... that's not how I want to remember him.
When I think of Charlton Heston, I prefer to think of his cameo as The Good Actor in Wayne's World 2, giving the best driving directions EVER:
*Some sources say 1924.
April 8, 2008 at 8:54 PM
That's a hoot! I never saw "Wayne's World 2" - only the first movie - so this was new to me.
April 9, 2008 at 7:39 PM
I loved this scene. Just classic!!